Press Releases

(WASHINGTON, D.C., June 3) – The Israel Project today applauded the Kansas state legislature for passing a bill that opposes discriminatory boycotts of Israel.

The Kansas Senate today passed HB 2409, a bill that prohibits the state from participating in any boycotts of Israel or entering into contracts with companies that participate in boycotts. The measure passed 28-9, making Kansas the 21st state to pass such a measure.

In April, The House passed a similar bill 116-9. The bipartisan legislation now heads to Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, who is expected to sign it into law.

“Discrimination is wrong, no matter who it affects,” said Josh Block, President and CEO of The Israel Project. “The whole community in Kansas should be applauded for standing up against anti-Semitism,” he said. “This legislation is a major, concrete step against bigotry and hate.”

“Though BDS poses as a human rights movement, in truth, it is an attempt to sow anti-Israel and anti-Semitic prejudice,” Block said.

Hiding behind laudable rhetoric on human rights, dignity and freedom, boycott advocates single out the Jewish state for special punishment. In fact, Israel is the only nation in the Middle East that universally protects these values.

“We congratulate the lawmakers of Kansas, who saw through this attempt at deception,” Block said. “In particular, we want to thank Rep. William Sutton, Sen. Bud Estes, and Sen. Tom Hawk for their thoughtful leadership and dedication.”

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About The Israel Project

The Israel Project (TIP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization that provides factual information about Israel and the Middle East to the press, policymakers and the public. Founded in 2003, TIP works in multiple languages to provide real-time background information, images, maps, audio, video, graphics and direct access to newsmakers. To learn more about TIP, visit http://www.theisraelproject.org